Nova Scotia RCMP constable charged with sexual assault, voyeurism

A charge of sexual assault and another charge of voyeurism have been laid against a constable from the RCMP’s Meteghan Detachment.

The province’s independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) laid the charges against Const. Yannick Frechette, 27, following an investigation of an incident alleged to have occurred at a party held at the home of another RCMP member.

SiRT says it was contacted on Dec. 17, 2018, by the RCMP Southwest Nova District, regarding allegations of sexual assault and voyeurism committed against a female by the RCMP member. The incidents are alleged to have occurred at a house party during the early morning hours of Dec. 16, 2018.

As a result, SiRT commenced an investigation the day the complaint was made and issued a media release on Jan. 17 saying that charges have been laid.

Frechette will appear in Yarmouth provincial court on Feb. 19.

The charge of voyeurism filed with the provincial court in Yarmouth states that Frechette is accused of lifting a blanket off the alleged female victim and taking photos and/or video of her underwear and genital area while she was sleeping. The other charge before the court alleges Frechette committed a sexual assault by touching the woman’s upper thigh and genital area without her consent.

According to the RCMP, Frechette was immediately suspended with pay.

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Felix Cacchione.

“The team can independently launch an investigation or begin one after a referral from a chief of police, the head of the RCMP in Nova Scotia or the Minister of Justice. It can also investigate after a complaint from the public,” the Jan. 17 media release reads.